New Zealand progressed to the Super Eights stage of the World Twenty20 in Sri Lanka despite suffering a 13-run defeat to Pakistan in Pallekele.

Mohammed Hafeez's side ran up 177 for six with Nasir Jamshed claiming four sixes in a confident 56, with New Zealand responding valiantly to post 164 for 9, but the Black Caps were unable to emulate the swashbuckling batting of their opponents.

Despite the loss, New Zealand qualify for the Super Eights on net run rate, while Pakistan will confirm their own progression with victory over Bangladesh on Tuesday.

Pakistan have only lost once at this tournament having scored 150 or more when batting first and remain the only team to reach the semi-finals every time of asking.

There was a nervous start for Pakistan as they opted to bat first, Hafeez being dropped for nought by Ross Taylor, but they soon began to rack up the runs.

It was not until the sixth over that Tim Southee caught and bowled Imran Nazir for 25 but Pakistan continued to score freely.

After Hafeez hit an 87-metre six in the ninth over, Pakistan reached the halfway stage at 92 for one and Jamshed brought up his 50 with a four and a single in the 13th over.

New Zealand took three wickets in three overs, Hafeez (43) first to go in the 14th over having been clean bowled by James Franklin.